Psalm 118:24

New King James Version (NKJV)

This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.

For meditation

Dina woke up to the familiar ring tone of her cell phone. She listened to the voice on the other end and said only two words, “Thank you.” In the shower, the usual melody did not fill the house, and Mrs. Barney, her ninety-year old neighbor missed it. However, the whistle from the kettle couldn’t be missed. She had her little girl to prepare for school.

“I can’t open my eyes, mommy,” Janice said.

“I have no time for your antics this morning, Janice. Get up and go brush your teeth,” Dina said.

A loud shrieking sound pierced the confused atmosphere. “O, my God!” She dashed towards the direction of the smoke and popped the charred bread out. She never thought those words could ever come out of her mouth again; but they flowed unrestrained anyway.

As she said grace, Janice kept one eye on her mother.

“What’s the problem, mommy,” she said.

“Nothing!”

“But your face …”

“I said, nothing, Janice. Hurry up before you miss the bus.”

Some days are like that. One phone call can unsettle a whole day. The mind gets trapped into a confused state, and anger boils over. Anxiety grips the heart, and fear begins to dictate the order of things. Yesterday was so good; so what happened? Why can’t things remain blissful all the time?

The good thing is that your Monday morning is as special as your Thursday afternoon. They are both special gifts from the same good God and He rules over both. Because every day is crafted for you by God, you can “rejoice and be glad in it” (Ps. 118:24), regardless of their peculiar circumstances. He can fill you with joy in His presence (Ps. 16:11). Paul experienced the power of this unmitigated joy in the Lord (Acts 16:25-26), so he encourages us to rejoice and be thankful at all times (Phil. 4:4; 1 Thess. 5:16-17).

1. How is your day so far then?
2. Any challenges?
3. Can you lift your eyes to the God who made this day with all its circumstances and turn it all to Him?
4. Can you trust Him through every encounter?
5. Can you trust Him to turn your distress to joy (Jn. 16:20) and your mourning to dancing (Ps. 30:11)?

I pray you will remember the comfort of this scripture: “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT).

So: May the Lord bless your day and encourage you in Jesus; and may He calm every nervous situation and restore His joy in your heart – that you may praise Him.

Every day is packaged with peace and joy if you look to Jesus.

Shalom